October 3, 2007

There's one more thing I've got to say about the Clarence Thomas memoir, "My Grandfather's Son." It's about Al Gore.

Al Gore was ... candid when a friend of mine approached him [before the Supreme Court confirmation hearings], saying he'd vote for me if he decided not to run for president. Strange as it may sound, I appreciated that kind of honesty. It took a certain amount of courage ... to admit to their real reasons for voting against me instead of making up a transparent excuse.

Al Gore did vote against Thomas. And Al Gore did run for President. And... well, you have to ask yourself: Did Clarence Thomas admit to his real reasons for voting against him or did he make up a transparent excuse?

Sorry, now, back to regular blogging. I'll try to find another picture to put up as a solemn promise to get back to regular blogging.

Hmmmm. Interesting. I'll have to think that one over, because, Althouse, in my estimation, there is a bit of certain type (or types) of Midwestern sensibility in your mix, unwitting or not.

I have a certain...literacy?...in both regions, having overall spent roughly half of my life in each in an alternating fashion, and with significant periods of time spent in visits "back" during two of the phases. (The latter means: I did not spend significant time periods East during my first 10 years of years.) I'm specifically conversant with subregions in which you've spent significant time.

Perhaps you are a more of a hybrid than you realize.

Or, you could just an entity unto yourself. Now--there's an explanation. Could it be? Shocking idea, to certain of your readers, in this blue/red, coasts/flyover world.

We can go shopping together. I will tell you (honestly) whether the Theory sweater looks good or not. We can get our hair done, massage, yoga, shop, lunch together and you will love it. I will be your eyes and ears in the city.

What if??? Come on girl... a day with titus in the city. Are you up for it? I promise fun, laughs, good food, excellent shopping, some art and a little bonding. And no strings attached. I will drop you off to Brooklyn safe and sound as I move one. I am a mo so you don't have to worry about any uncomfortable good byes. Believe me I will be gone and onto my love of my life (for 30 minutes).

I don't see Gore's admission as a reason for Thomas to vote against him in 2000. Thomas had to assume every Senator's vote was politically calculated, he was just surprised Gore admitted it. In Washington, it's a scandal when someone blurts out the truth--in this case, privately.

"the limit on that argument is that the "Midwest" I've lived in all this time is Madison."

A city where folks come from all over. Sort of a middle of America San Francisco? My Midwest was suburban Christian college town.

I loved Madison a whole lot more, for a variety of reasons. Maybe it's an oasis from one coast to another, where strange birds and odd ducks can find a bit of rest and restoration when away from their natural homes.